Georgia RD’s are affiliate members of The American Dietetic Association (ADA). ADA is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. As Georgia members of ADA, our mission is to improve the health and nutrition of all Georgians.

A registered dietitian (RD) is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements. Many people with varied backgrounds claim the title of “nutritionist” however a registered dietitian has the following requirements:

Bachelor's degree with course work approved by ADA's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.

Complete an accredited, supervised, experiential practice program at a health-care facility, community agency or foodservice corporation.

Pass a national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.

Examples of RD Responsibilities

Hospitals, HMOs or other health care facilities - educating patients about nutrition and administering medical nutrition therapy as part of the health care team. They may also manage the foodservice operations in these settings, as well as in schools, day-care centers, and correctional facilities, overseeing everything from food purchasing and preparation to managing staff.

Sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs- educating clients about the connection between food, fitness, and health.

Food and nutrition-related businesses and industries - working in communications, consumer affairs, public relations, marketing, or product development.

Private practice - working under contract with health care or food companies, or in their own business. RDs may provide services to foodservice or restaurant managers, food vendors, and distributors, or athletes, nursing home residents, or company employees.

Community and public health settings - teaching monitoring, and advising the public, and helping to improve their quality of life through healthy eating habits.

Research areas in food and pharmaceutical companies, universities, and hospitals - directing or conducting experiments to answer critical nutrition questions and find alternative foods or nutrition recommendations for the public.” From www.eatright.org